Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Get Behind Bowel Screening.

What is the Get Behind Bowel Screening campaign?

Get Behind Bowel Screening is a national advocacy campaign run by Cancer Council urging the Australian Government to expand the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to include two-yearly screening for everyone 50 and over.

What is the aim of the campaign?

We know screening for bowel cancer saves lives and Cancer Council believes every Australian 50 and over has the right to a free national bowel cancer screening program.

We're asking all Australians to send an email to their local Member of Parliament urging them to put pressure on their party to expand the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to include two-yearly screening for everyone over 50 by 2012.

By getting thousands of people to send an email we plan to show the Government and Opposition that Australians want a firm commitment to full implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. 

Why is a free, national bowel cancer screening program so important?

Bowel cancer kills 80 Australians every week, yet nearly all cases can be cured if found early.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides enormous potential to save lives from bowel cancer – potential that will not be fully realised without increased funding and a clear plan for program expansion. Currently, only people turning 50, 55 or 65 before December 2010 will receive a free screening kit and with no offer of re-screening. That means around five million Australians aged over 50 are missing out on a test that could save their lives.

The next Australian Government has the ability to save more than 30 lives every week – that's 30 mothers, fathers, daughters or brothers – if they commit to funding two-yearly bowel screening for all Australians over 50.

Why is Cancer Council asking people to share their stories?

Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia, yet it just doesn't get the attention it deserves. By asking people to share their experiences of bowel cancer and screening we hope to generate interest in the campaign and inspire others to get involved.

There are thousands of Australians whose lives have been touched by bowel cancer. If you think bowel cancer screening has saved your life or the life of someone close to you, or if you feel strongly that screening should be available to everyone over 50, we'd love to hear from you. Go to Your stories to share your story.

It's the real, human stories that help make our campaigns a success.